Adams, Michelle Fiona2026-01-162026-01-162024https://hdl.handle.net/10566/21740In recent years the citizens of South Africa have been inundated with reports about the scourge of violence and violent crime, often associated with gangs and organised crime syndicates.1 Despite the prevalence of such crimes, it is quite astounding how few investigations, prosecutions or convictions target the masterminds behind these operations. 2 Instead, it is usually the foot soldiers who bear the brunt of legal consequences, while the leaders of the criminal groups evade justice. 3 The quotes of Plato and Aristotle encapsulate the impetus for conducting research on this topic: “Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime”, by Aristotle4 (384-322 BC) and: “Good people don’t need laws to tell them to act responsibly....and bad people will find a way around the laws”, by Plato.5 These insights highlight the complex interplay of socioeconomic factors and legal enforcement in addressing crime. A substantial portion of the information in this study is drawn from personal experience.6 I have presided over numerous gang-related matters. In one particular case in the High Court, an accused testified that he started out as a drug dealer for a gang and received a monthly remuneration for his participation.enOrganised CrimeKingpinsFoot SoldiersCriminal GangsCrime SyndicatesThesis